Talkative
Introducing Talkative: Where genuine connections thrive! Break free from social isolation with our inclusive app designed for meaningful conversations. Tailor your social experience with customizable chat rooms, real-time translation, and privacy controls. Connect effortlessly with individuals seeking authentic connections or those overcoming communication challenges, including the autism community. Talkative fosters a safe, welcoming environment where your voice is heard. Join us on a journey to transform digital interactions. Download now and experience the power of connection!
Product Experience
Problem Space
In a digital landscape marked by superficial connections and communication barriers, the Talkative app seeks to redefine social interaction, with a distinct focus on serving the autism community. Recognizing the challenges faced by individuals on the autism spectrum, Talkative introduces a sensory-friendly interface, prioritizing simplicity and customization. Unique features include visual communication tools—customizable emojis and symbols—to enrich non-verbal expression. The app pioneers structured conversation prompts, providing a supportive framework for meaningful interactions. Real-time translation features foster inclusivity, bridging communication gaps among users with different styles or languages. Private support groups and educational resources cater specifically to the autism community, creating a space where genuine connections flourish through understanding, empathy, and shared experiences. Talkative is not just an app; it's a tailored haven, enhancing social connections for all.
Problem Statement
How might we create a digital platform that not only addresses the prevalent challenges of social isolation and communication difficulties but also provides a tailored and inclusive space specifically designed to meet the unique needs of the autism community?
Problem Background
Since the beginning of the pandemic in 2020, individuals living with autism have faced unprecedented challenges exacerbated by the significant impact on physical communication. Heightened social distancing measures led to increased social isolation, particularly affecting those who already encountered difficulties in socializing. The abrupt disruption of routines, coupled with the transition to virtual learning, posed additional hurdles, as many individuals with autism grappled with adapting to new online platforms and the absence of in-person support.
Virtual communication became a nuanced struggle, with the loss of familiar non-verbal cues in online interactions. Limited access to therapies and essential support services, coupled with increased sensory sensitivities and the anxiety-inducing uncertainty of the times, further intensified the challenges faced by this community. Navigating public spaces with new guidelines, including altered social protocols, added to the complexity. The Talkative app seeks to address these multifaceted issues by providing a tailored, inclusive space that not only acknowledges but actively mitigates the unique challenges individuals with autism have encountered in the post-pandemic world.
Research Insights
In envisioning the Talkative app, we anticipate potential pain points for individuals on the autism spectrum within the digital communication landscape. Users may face difficulties adapting to virtual platforms, especially concerning the absence of familiar non-verbal cues that are crucial for understanding and expressing emotions. The envisioned shift to virtual communication raises concerns about sensory sensitivities, posing a potential barrier to effective engagement. Furthermore, the overarching uncertainty and disruptions caused by the pandemic may intensify anxiety levels during social interactions within the app. As we embark on developing Talkative, there's a clear need to proactively design a platform that anticipates and mitigates these challenges, ensuring a supportive and inclusive space that caters to the unique communication styles and needs of our users.
Link to product's definition of done
In the survey, a clear consensus emerged regarding communication preferences, with 85% of respondents favoring visual communication tools, such as emojis and symbols, to enhance non-verbal expression. Additionally, 73% emphasized the importance of customizable chat rooms for tailored communication environments. Virtual interaction challenges were evident, with 67% reporting difficulties adapting to virtual platforms due to the absence of familiar non-verbal cues, and over 60% expressing concerns about potential sensory sensitivities affecting their engagement in virtual discussions.
Anxiety levels during social interactions in virtual settings were notably high, as approximately 75% of respondents reported an increase, with 82% attributing it to pandemic-related uncertainty and disruptions. Privacy and security were paramount, as 88% stressed the need for robust privacy settings within the app. User insights highlighted the challenges users face, emphasizing the significance of incorporating real-time translation features for inclusivity (suggested by 68%) and structured conversation prompts to ease initiation (recommended by 56%). The survey findings collectively underscore the importance of addressing these preferences and challenges in the development of the Talkative app.
Talkative
Bridging Conversations, Fostering Connections - Where Every Voice Finds Its Place.
Learnings
Product Manager Learnings:
Eminimo Eghosa
Embarking on this project as a newcomer to product management has been an enlightening journey filled with invaluable learning experiences. Collaborating with diverse teams has been a revelation, as I discovered the power of collective ideation and the importance of cross-functional communication in shaping a cohesive product vision.
Engaging with numerous individuals through interviews and research allowed me to deepen my understanding of user needs and pain points, emphasizing the profound impact that user-centric design can have on product success. The iterative nature of the development process became evident as I navigated the complexities of refining and adapting features based on user feedback, reinforcing the notion that flexibility is a cornerstone of effective product management. Learning to distill complex information into clear and compelling narratives has been a skill honed through various project presentations, underscoring the importance of effective communication in conveying the project's vision to stakeholders.
Overall, this project has been a dynamic and immersive learning experience, showcasing the multifaceted nature of product management and providing me with a solid foundation for future endeavors in this exciting field.
Co.Lab was a very interesting experience for me, shaping my product management journey and amplifying my commitment to creating a platform that empowers meaningful connections.
Designer Learnings:
Designer Learnings:
Jo Sturdivant
- Adapting to an Established Team: Joining the team in week 6 of 8 was challenging, as I had to quickly adapt to existing workflows, dynamics, and goals. This mirrors real-world situations where you often integrate into teams mid-project, and flexibility is essential.
- Work-Blocking for Efficiency: With only two weeks to complete the project, I learned the importance of a structured work-blocking system. This approach allowed me to manage my time effectively and meet deadlines under pressure.
- Making Data-Driven Design Decisions: Unlike my past projects, I had to rely on research conducted by others. This was a valuable experience in using pre-existing data to guide design decisions, helping me focus on the core insights without starting from scratch.
Developer Learnings:
Developer Learnings:
Vanady Beard
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As the back-end developer, I learned how important it is to create efficient and reliable systems that support the entire application. This experience also taught me the importance of optimising the database and ensuring the backend is scalable and easy to maintain.
Developer Learnings:
Stephen Asiedu
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As a back-end developer, I've come to understand the importance of being familiar with various database systems and modules. This knowledge enables me to build diverse applications and maintain versatility in my work. I've also learned that the responsibility for making the right choices rests on my shoulders, guided by my best judgement.
Developer Learnings:
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Developer Learnings:
Maurquise Williams
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- Process of Creating an MVP: Developing a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) taught me how to focus on delivering core functionalities balancing between essential features and avoiding scope creep.
- Collaboration in a Real-World Tech Setting: This experience taught me how to collaborate efficiently in a fast-paced tech environment, keeping the team aligned and productive, even while working remotely across time zones.
- Sharpening Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills: This experience honed my ability to think critically and solve problems efficiently. By tackling challenges and finding quick solutions, I sharpened my decision-making and troubleshooting skills in a dynamic, real-world setting.
Developer Learnings:
Jeremiah Williams
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All in all this experience was very awesome I learned that in coding with others being transparent is key
Developers Learnings:
Justin Farley
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I learned how important communication is when working with a team. Communication provides understanding, advice, ideas, and much more. While working with the product team, I’ve found that communication keeps everything flowing smoothly. Working with a team also showed me that every member brings something different to the table and we all have to work together in order to align and meet our end goal.